RBA Engineer Authors Article for The Story Pole Magazine

Troy, NY – July 23, 2007 – David T. Biggs, P.E., Principal of Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., in Troy, NY, authored an article titled “Filling in the Frame. It’s Time for Masonry Again.” The article, featured in the July-August 2007 edition of The Story Pole magazine, focuses on the concept and use of hybrid masonry.

The masonry industry led by the International Masonry Institute and the National Concrete Masonry Association has embarked upon a major effort to develop computer software for steel-framed structures using hybrid masonry with Biggs as their primary consultant.

Hybrid masonry is a structural concept developed by Biggs which uses masonry to brace steel-framed buildings. It takes a system that was used in the early 1900s but fell out of use and adapts it to modern buildings. The system has the potential to provide greater economy and structural safety to steel-framed buildings.

David Biggs is a masonry specialist with over thirty years of experience. He was elected an Honorary Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2005 based upon his engineering expertise with historical restoration and forensic evaluation of structures. He is also involved with research projects and provides consulting for the development of new masonry products. Mr. Biggs is also working as a consultant to the Supreme Council of Antiquities for the Republic of Egypt. He is part of a six-member international team providing restoration guidelines for use throughout Egypt.


About Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C.
Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., is a consulting engineering firm specializing in structural engineering. Since 1973, they have been providing design services from their main office in Troy, New York, and branch offices in Skaneateles, New York, and West Chester, Pennsylvania.

About The Story Pole magazine
The Story Pole magazine is a publication of the Masonry Institute of Michigan. Originally founded in 1958, the Institute is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the masonry industry. Their goal is to promote quality masonry, quality masonry units and materials, functional and efficient designs, and quality workmanship. Originally started as a newsletter, the publication took a major step forward in 2001 by its transformation into an enhanced full color magazine.
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